Apparatus for forming piles



Jan. 3l, 1967 1 PHARES ET AL 3,300,988

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Jan. 31, 1967 L. J. PHAREs ET AL 3,300,988

APPARATUS FOR FORMING PILES Original Filed Deo. 23, 1960 11 Sheets-Sheet 1l United States Patent C) 3,300,988 APPARATUS FOR FORMING PILES Lindsey J. Phares, Butler, Harold M. McCall, Fair Lawn, Richard K. Snow, Westwood, and Ernst W. Spannhalke, Butler, NJ., assiguors to Raymond International Inc., New York, N.Y., a corporation of New Jersey Original application Dec. 23, 1960, Ser. No. 77,973, now Patent No. 3,200,599, dated Aug. 17, 1965. Divided and this application Mar. 8, 1965, Ser No. 437,841 7 Claims. (Cl. 61-63) This application is a division of copending application Serial No. 77,973, tiled December 23, 1960, now Patent No. 3,200,599.

This invention relates to methods and apparatus for placing caissons or piles of the shell-less type in the earth by hollow stem auger -drills by pumping a cementitious lmaterial, such as grout, through such stem into a cavity formed beneath the auger as it is Withdrawn, tgether with the earth in its flights, from a hole in the earth which lhas been drilled by it. The invention more particularly relates to novel methods and apparatus for improving the quality of such piles, including the shape and strength thereof, by controlling and adjusting in a novel manner the pressures and volume of the cementittious materia-l placed in such cavity during auger withdrawal.

Methods and apparatus of this general character in the prior art have failed to provide any suitable or iaccurate control and adjustment of pressures of the cementitious material in such a cavity beneath the auger.

Also such prior art methods and apparatus have failed to make the most economical use of such cementitious material by so failing to control and adjust the pressures of the material in the cavity beneath the auger.

Further, such prior art methods and apparatus have been relatively slow in forming such piles.

Also, the prior art has failed to provide adequate methods and apparatus for forming piles of the above character and concurrently placing therein reinforcing rods or bars.

One of the objects of the present invention is to overcome the above diculties or to reduce same to insignicance.

Another object is to provide novel methods and apparatus for controlling and recording certain factors, such as the pressure of the cementitious material near the auger tip during the injection thereof thereby to demonstrate the quality of shell-less piles of this type.

A further object in one form of the invention is to sense and indicate that variable factor occurring during the formation of such piles which, by adjusting other factors such as drill rise rate and grout inflow rate, can be most advantageously controlled and adjusted to obtain high quality piles, namely, the pressure of the grout or other cementitious material at or near the lower end of the auger drill during drill withdrawal and injection of the grout, such press-ure being controlled to follow preselected values during such drill withdrawal.

A further object is to provide novel methods and apparatus for 'forming a shell-less type pile of cementitious material which is capable of developing skin friction at least equal to that of a driven pile in certain types of earth, for example, wherein there occurs lateral protrusions of such material.

Another object is to provide novel methods and `apparatus for avoiding in the cementitious material near the drill tip during drill withdrawal any substantial pressure variations from selected nor-m va-lues.

Another object is to provide novel methods and apparatus for controlling lthe pressure of the cementitious pileforming material as measured at the upper region of the cavity vacated by the rising auger drill, such pressure control providing a positive and accurate method and ICC means for preventing a cave-in of the earth surrounding such cavity while making most economical use of such material.

A further object is to provide novel methods and apparatus for attaining and maintaining accurate control over the pressure of the cementitious mixture during the injection of the latter substance into the Icavity beneath the auger during its withdrawal from the hole which has been drilled by it.

Another object is to provide nove-1 methods and apparatus for controlling the speed of drill withdrawal.

A further object is `to provide novel methods and apparatus for controlling the pressure conditions of the cementitious material which is injected into the cavity beneath the drill by correlating in a novel manner the volumetric inow rate of .such material in-to the cavity and the rate of withdrawal of the drill or auger to insure a selected pressure gradient in the upper region of such material as the drill is withdrawn, and also to insure that the pressure of the cemen-titious material at the region of the lower end of the drill comprises during drill withdrawal a selected function of the depth of such lower drill end during withdrawal.

A further object is to provide novel methods and apparatus for controlling the cementitious material pressure conditions in the cavity by integrating and correlating during drill Withdrawal the total cementitious mixture flow (volume) with the total volume of the cavity.

A further object is to provide novel methods and apparatus for the control of the withdrawal of an auger drill from a hole drilled in the earth by it, such control being effected by servo means under the influence of the pressure of the substance injected into the cavity formed by the withdrawal of the auger from the hole.

A further Iobject is to provide novel methods and apparatus for controlling the hoisting of the auger out of a hole in the earth drilled by it by sensing the pressure of the cementitious mixture in the hole and controlling and `adjusting the hoisting in response to such sensed factor.

Another object is to provide novel methods and apparatus to insure adequate filling with cementitious material of the cavity beneath an auger drill during its withdrawal from a hole in t-he earth drilled by it by correlating in a novel manner the number of turns of a pump which forces such material into the cavity with the linear extent of drill withdrawal from the bottom of the hole.

A further object is to provide novel methods and apparatus to establish proper depth and load-carrying capacities of piles by sinking an auger drill to a depth where the torque required to drive same is at a value equal to the torque required to sink the auger for previous piles which have met satisfactory load tests.

A further object is to provide novel value apparatus for the lower end of such auger drill for controlling the flow of a drill medium, such as water or drill mud, and also for the control of the ilow of a pile-forming material such as grout.

A further object is to provide a novel auger drill having means for keeping the drilling medium, such as water or mud, used in the augering of the pile separate from the cementitious mixture or grout employed in forming the pile.

A further object is to provide a novel valve structure employed at the lower extremity of a hollow stem auger which enables an operator at his discretion to stop and start a flow of a pile-forming substance from such lower extremity.

A further object is to provide a novel valve for the lower extremity of a hollow stem earth auger which valve is held shut by the downcrowding force applied to the auger stem during drilling into the earth with the auger, such valve being responsive to gravity and the pressure of 3 a pile-forming material, such as grout, within the hollow stem of the auger at the start of the withdrawal or hoisting operation of the auger, the'pile-forming material being directed toward-the valve via the passage in such hollow stem which thus aids in pushing such valve open.

A further object is to provide a novel valve 'device for the lower extremity of an auger type earth drill wherein one of the movable valve elements mounts a cutter head for the drill, for example, a pilot bit, drilling torque being applied to such cutter head by novel mechanical means which serve the double purpose of transmitting such torque and holding in alignment the movable part of the valve.

The invention, in one aspect thereof, comprises a method for formingv piles in the earth and consists in the steps of sinking an auger with a hollow stern into the earth to a selecteddepth, extracting the auger while pumping grout through the Apassage in the stem into the cavity below the auger to ll such cavity, and sensing the pressure of the grout at or near the lower end of the auger and regulating ythe rate `of auger extraction in response to such sensed pressure to insure that such cavity filling occurs, such pumping of the grout into the cavity being at a sub stantially constant volumetric ow rate.

The invention, in another aspect thereof, comprises a method for forming piles in the ear-th and consists in the steps lof drilling a hole in the earth lby sinking to a desired depth an auger type drill by turning same, the drill being provided with a hollow tubular stern and spiral ights. After the drill has been sunk to the desired depth, it is progressively withdrawn from the hole, together with the earth inits flights by applying a lifting force thereto adequate for this purpose and thereby forming beneath the drill a cavity adapted to receive a pile-forming substance, such as grout. The volume of the cavity progressively increases as the drill is withdrawn and while it is so increasing the cavity is filled completely during drill withdrawal by forcing therein with the aid of a pump and via the hollow stem the aforementioned pile-forming substance. The rate of drill withdrawal and the volumetric rate of inow of such pile-forming substance into the cavity are controlled to produce a changing pressure of the pile-forming substance as measured near the lower end of the drill, which changing pressure is a function of the changing level of the lower end of the drill as it is lifted out Iof the hole, and such controlling includes adjusting one or both of such rates to change the pressure of the cementitious mixture to a desired value in response to such pressure departing from desired norm values at selected levels of such lower vdrill end during its withdrawal.

The invention in a further aspect thereof comprises the method for forming piles in the earth which consists in drilling a hole in the earth by sinking an auger type drill therein by rotating same and after the drill has been sunk to a desired depth, exerting a lifting force on the drill adequate to lift it out ofthe earth thereby to form a cavity beneath the drill while concurrently forcing a cementitious mixture into the cavity at a substantially constant volumetric fiow rate. While this is taking place there is sensed the changing pressures of the cementitious mixture near the-k lower end of the drill during the withdrawal of the latter and the changing pressures at such lower drill and are compared with selected pressure norms at selected stages or increments of withdrawal of the drill, and the speed of withdrawal of the drill is controlled and adjusted to cause the cementitious mixture pressures to be not less than such norms.

The invention in a still further aspect thereof comprises the method for forming piles in the earth which consists in turning an auger type of drill to sink same into and thereby form a hole of a desired depth in the earth, the drill having a hollow stem with a valve outlet at the lower end thereof (the valve being closed during drill sinking) and thereafter exerting a force in an upward direction on the drill while concurrently forcing under pressure into the cavity created beneath the drill, and via said hollow stem, a cementitious mixture of pile-forming material, the force acting on the drill being adequate to raise the drill out of the earthtogether with the earth in its ights thereby to `withdraw same'from the hole. During such drill withdrawal, there is provided a primary series of signals indicating the injection via such stem into the cavity of a corresponding series of increments of selected volume of such cementitious mixture, and also there is provided a secondary series of signals indicating the occurrence of a corresponding series of successive selected linear increments of drill rise, each producing an added increment of volume of the cavity selected substantially to accommodate such yvolumetric increments of the cementitious mixture injected into the cavity. The raising of the drill and the injection of the mixture are controlled so that for each such primary signal there occurs substantially concurrently one of the second signals.

The above and further `objects and novel features of the present invention will more clearly appear from the description set forth below when the same is read in connection with the accompanying drawings which are submitted herewithfor purposes of illustration only and which do not dene the limits of the invention, reference for this latter purpose being had to the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of an apparatus comprising a truck-borne drill rig embodying one form of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, but with the drill, namely, a hollow stem auger, penetrating into the earth, there being also shown apparatus for directing a cementitious mixture, such as grout, into the hollow stem of the auger;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation, partly in section and with parts ybroken away, showing a crown assembly of the auger drill employed in FIGS. 1 and 2 and embracing the mount for the auger drill at its upper extremity, such crown assembly being adapted for vertical movement as guided by a mast of the drilling rig;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a portion of means employed in the present invention for sensing the pressure of the cementitious material near the drill tip and comparing it with a norm;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the manner in which a hoisting cable of the'present invention is associated with the crown assembly for raising and lowering the auger drill thereof, said arrangement being referred to as a reaving diagram for the hoisting apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of the several control means and indicators available to the operator of the apparatus embodying the present invention in the form of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of apparatus for sensing the pressure of the cementitious mixture, such as grout', at the lower extremity of the drill and for comparing such sensed pressure with a selected norm pressure, a portion of this apparatus being shown in FIG. 4;

FIG.v 7a is a graphical comparison of a norm grout pressure gradient and grout pressure sensed at or near the lower drill end during drill withdrawal;

FIG. 8 is a'vertical sectional view', partly in section and with parts broken away, of a portion of a differential diaphragm pressure sensitive devicewhich is employed near the lower extremity or tip of the drill as shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation of the parts shown in FIG. 8 but also showing schematically a check valve connected thereto;

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional View, partly in section and with parts broken away, of such differential diaphragm device, a part of which is shown in FIG. 8 and which embodies a valving device for aiding in sensing the pressure as aforementioned;

FIG. 11 is a front elevtaion of the parts shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of one form of apparatus for integrating and comparing factors representing the total volume of the cementitious mixture pumped into the cavity beneath the drill and the total volume of such cavity as the drill is withdrawn from the hole which it has drilled in the earth;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation, partly in section and with parts broken away, of one form of the lower extremity of the hollow stem auger drill employed in the present invention and showing a valve in such stern for controlling the flow of the cementitious mixture, such as grout, the lower extremity of the auger being shown at the bottom of a hole which it has drilled, the value being shown in its closed condition, there being a down pressure exerted upon the lower tip or endof the auger as during the hole drilling process;

FIG. 14 is a view of the parts shown in FIG. 13 but with the auger drill being withdrawn from the hole and wherein the down pressure on its lower extremity is relieved and by virtue of the weight of an axially movable lower valve portion the aforementioned valve for the grout or cementitious mixture is open allowing it to tlow through the valve and into the cavity beneath the drill during Withdrawal;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken substantially along lines 11S- 115 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation, partly in section and with parts broken away, of the lower extremity of a drill or drill stem employed in the present invention and showing another form of valve construction embracing valves for controlling the flow of both the cementitious mixture and the drilling medium, e.g. water;

FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional view, partly in section and with parts broken away, of an upper portion of the auger drill which portion includes a water swivel assembly and comprising a showing of two concentric tubular portions of the stem of the auger and means for directing water into one of such passages by means of a relatively stationary collar which is in communication with a rotating portion of the drill stern;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 18-18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a side view, partly in section and with parts broken away, of a modification of the auger construction shown in FIG. 13 and illustrating means for placing one or more reinforcing bars;

FIG. 20 is an end elevation of the parts shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 2l is a sectional view taken substantially along line 21-21 of FIG. 19; and

FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 illustrate a modification of FIGS. 19, 20 and 21.

Referring to the drawings in greater detail, with particular reference to FIGS. 1-4, the apparatus embodying the form of the invention therein shown is broadly designated at 2t) and comprises a `mobile drill rig including an auger type earth boring drill 21 which is suspended rotatably fromits crown by means of a crown assembly 22 which is mounted for vertical movement with the aid of suitable rails of a mast 23, such rails, for example, being shown at 24 and 25.

The mast 23 is mounted for pivotal movement (between vertical and horizontal positions) about a shaft 26, such shaft being mounted upon a carrier truck 27 by means of two pairs of arms 23, 29 and 3d, 31, the latter pair not being shown in FIG. 1.

The pairs of arms 23, 29 and 30, 31 in turn are mounted upon a shiftable deck 32 which in turn is mounted upon the back 33 of the truck 27.

Normally the deck 32 mounting the arms 28, 29 and 30, 31 is held rigidly in place for drilling, but such deck can be adjusted in position and shifted fore and aft of the truck along a horizontal center line through, for example, a selected distance, such as two or three feet, by means of a suitable slidable mounting (not shown). This sliding movement is controlled by a pair of hydraulic slide cylinders 34, only one of which is shown in FIG. 1.

The shiftable deck 32 also can be angularly shifted about a vertical axis through a selected angular distance, for example, i40 with respect to its norm centered posi tion, by means of a pair of hydraulic cylinders 35, again only one of which is shown in FIG. 1.

The mast 23 is provided with cylindrical auger guides 36 and 37. The latter by suitable reaving means (not shown) is positioned midway between the au ger crown and the mast bottom.

Further, the mast 23 can be raised and lowered by means of a pair of hydraulic mast raising cylinders 38, one of which is one each side of the mast. Each of such mast raising cylinders is operatively associated with the mast, as shown in FIG. 1, the righthand extremity of the cylinder thereof being secured to the arms 29 and piston 39 of each being connected to the mast as by a pivoted joint 49.

For purposes of providing stability to the drill rig while drilling, a pair of hydraulic jacks 41, one on each side of the rig thereof, is provided, these jacks being shown in their extended condition in FIG. 1.

The hydraulic jacks 41 are mounted upon extendable Outrigger devices (not shown) for the purpose of increasing the distance between them when desired and thus enhancing drill stability.

The means for raising and lowering the auger 21, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a caible drum assembly 42 which will be described in greater detail hereinafter. This cable drum assembly is operatively associated with the crown assembly `22 vof the auger by a system of cables which will be described in connection with FIG. 5. The cable drum assembly 42 is driven, in the form shown, by means [of an hydraulic motor 43 which receives hydraulic fluid, such as oil, from one or more hydraulic pumps 44. In FIG. 1 only a single hydraulic pump 44 is shown although we have found it advantageous in this form of the invention to employ two such pumps which may be connected individually or jointly to the hydraulic motor 43. For purposes of simplicity the hydraulic interconnections between the pumps 44 and the motor 43 are not shown.

The hydraulic motor 43 is 4operatively connected to the cable drum assembly 42 by a suitable power multiplying means, in this form comprising two pairs of sprocket wheels 45, 46 and 47, 48. The pair 45 and 46 are re spectively of large and relatively quite small diameter and are coaxially mounted upon a jack shaft 49. The sprocket wheel pair 47, 48 respectively of relatively large and small diameters are in the form shown mounted coaxially with the pivot shaft 26 of the mast 23.

The hydraulic motor 43 is operatively connected to the sprocket wheel 45 4by a suitable roller chain 50 and in turn the smaller sprocket 46 is drivably connect-ed to the larger sprocket 47 lby a roller chain 51, and the sprocket 48 is connecte-d to a sprocket 52 of the cable drum assembly by means lof a roller chain 53.

The aforementioned hydraulic pump 44 is capable of generating high pressure, for example, 5000 p.s.i. (oil) and this is employed for the heavy work required to be done by the apparatus, for example, energizing the hydraulic motor 43 and also for energizing an hydraulic motor which turns the auger 21. located in the `crown assembly 22 and which will be described more fully hereinafter.

One or more additional hydraulic pumps, such as 54, are Vprovided for activating, e.\g., mast Vraising cylinder 38 and power cylinders 34 and 35. In the -form shown, two such hydraulic pumps 54- are employed. The hydraulic pumps 44 and 54 are substantially in alignment with one another as shown in the form of FIG. 1. Such pumps are driven Iby any suitable power source, for example, an internal combustion engine 55 which drives same by means of a main pulley 56 which is, by means of endless 7 belts, drivably connected to a pump drive .pulley 57, the latter in turn via universal couplings 58 and 59 directing torque to such pumps 44 and 54. On the opposite side of the rig, as viewed in FIG. 1, a similar pair of pumps, such as 44 and 54, are located and are similarly driven.

In order to support mast .23 when in its inactive horizontal position, there are provided a pair of vertically extending posts 60 and 61 which are mounted respectively upon the forward portion of the deck 32 and the -front of the truck 27, which posts are provided with bifurcated upper elements: or cradles, as at 60a and 61a respectively, for supporting the mast as aforementioned when the latter has been lowered under the influence Iof the hydraulic mast raising and lowering power cylinder 38.

Secured to a vertical mounting plate 62 are three hydraulic valves 63, 64 `and 65 which respectively perform the following functions:

(a) Valve 63- This valve controls the auger drive motor (to apepar more fully hereinafter) located in the crown assembly 22 at the top of the auger 21. The latter motor is sometimes referred to as the rotary drive motor.

(b) Valve y64- This valve controls the cable drum `drive motor 43.

(c) Valve 65- This valve is a so-called selector valve which is capable of directing oil or some suitable hydraulic medium either to said auger -drive motor in the crown assembly 22 or to the auger hoist motor 43.

The valves 63, 64 and 65 are Iunder the control of suitable lmanually operable levers as will be described in connection Iwith FIG. 6. The va1ve64, in addition to being controlled by a manually operable lever, as Iwill be described in connection with FIG. 2, is also controlled by a servo mechanism responsive to pressure measured at or near the lower extremity or tip of the auger as will be described more fully hereinafter. The aforementioned hydraulic system is provided with `an oil reservoir 66.

For purposes 4of clarity, the system of hydraulic conduits are not shown in connection with FIG. l or in connection -with FIG. 6, although a portion of such conduits are shown in FIG. 2 in a schematic manner, it being understood that the system of hydraulic conduits in the present apparatus is laid out in any suitable manner to achieve the specied functions of the apparat-us.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there will be described the portions of the apparatus comprising the crown assembly 22 aforementioned. Such crown assembly 22 is schematically shown in FIG. 3 land comprises a crown frame or mounting 67 upon which the lvarious elements comprising same are mounted. These elements embrace hydraulic motor y68 which is designed -for turning the auger 21 via a suitable operative interconnection which will now be described:

The auger 21 is provided with a hollow stem 69 consisting, in the form shown, of two concentric coaxial tubes, the center one 70 for conducting the cementitious mixture or `grout from the top of the auger to the drill tip thereof and thence into the cavity drilled in the earth; and an outer tube 71 for the purpose of conducting the drilling medium, such as drill mud or water to the lowerend of the drill. The stem 69, thus comprises a hollow tube to which are rigidly secured the helical flights of the auger.

Suitable bearing means comprising thrust bearings and weight supporting bearings are provided for the auger, such bearings being schematically indicated at 72.

The hydraulic motor 68 transmits torque to the stem 69 of the auger 21 via a pair of bevel gears 73;` and 73a, the latter comprising a bevel gear of substantial diameter which is horizontal in attitude, as shown in FIG. 3, and which meshes with the bevel gear 73, the latter 'being substantially vertical as shown in this figure.

Thus the shaft of the bevel Igear 73a is in effect the stem 69 of the auger. Shaft 74 of the bevel gear 73, on the other hand, is perpendicular to the axis of the stem 69. A suitable power multiplying device consisting of a series of sprocket wheels interconnected by suitable roller chains drivably connects the hydraulic motor 68 to the shaft 74 as follows:

A sprocket wheel 75 is driven directly by the motor 68 via an output shaft thereof and such sprocket Wheel 75 in turn drives a pair of coaxial sprocket wheels 76 and 77 which are rigidly secured to a common shaft 78, the driving thereof being accomplished via a roller chain 78a. The sprocket wheel 76 is of substantially larger diameter than that of 77. The latter in turn is drivably connected to said shaft 74 via a further sprocket wheel 79 of substantially larger diameter than that of 77, this connection being accomplished via a roller chain 80. It is, of course, understood that the shafts 78 and 74 are suitably mounted upon the crown frame 67. Via the bevel gear 73a rigidly secured to the stem 69, torque is communicated to the auger 21 to turn same and thereby to sink the drill into the earth as shown in FIG. 2.

The drilling medium, such as water or drilling mud, is communicated to the outermost of the two conduits, namely, the tube 71 aforementioned, via a device referred to as a swivel 81 and consisting of a relatively stationary collar 82 which is mounted upon the frame 67, and which surrounds a ,portion of the tube 71 having an orifice 83 therein through which the drilling medium passes into such tube 71. The drilling medium is conducted to the swivel 81 via a conduit 84 at a selected pressure and from a suitable source. A suitable packing or gland construction, as at 85, is provided for preventing leaking of the drilling fluid despite the rotation of the rotating stem 71.

The cementitious mixture, such as grout or pumpable concrete, in turn is communicated to the hollow stemmed auger drill via a swivel 86 having a stationary collar portion 87 which is associated with the rotatable inner conduit 70 via a gland or Ipacking 88 thereby to prevent leakage of the cementitious mixture as it is pumped under pressure into such conduit 70. The stationary portion 87 of the swivel 86 in turn is in communication with the source of the cementitious mixture under pressure via a rigid conduit 89 which is secured to'a flexible conduit 90 by a suitable joint. As the crown assembly 22 moves up and down vertically during the operation of the apparatus, the cementitious mixture and the drillingmedium are communicated thereto via the flexible conduits 84 and 90 respectively thereby avoiding the disadvantage of having to mount containers of these substances upon the vertically movable carriage or frame 67.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there will be described the means for raising and lowering the crown assembly 22, such means being designed for.the lpurpose not only of 'applying a hoisting or lifting force to the auger, but also a force referred to as a .down-crowding force by which the auger is urged into the earth forcefully, that is, by force other than that attributable to the Weight of the auger and its crown assembly 22.

The cable drum assembly 42 (FIG. 5) is operatively connected to the hydraulic motor 43, via an interconnection 91. The cable drum assembly 42 or hoist drum has wound about it a hoisting cable 92, an -uphoist portion 92a of which passes respectively over a crown sheave 93 (mounted on mast 23), under a cable sheave 94 -mounted on the crown assembly frame or carriage 67 and thence over another crown sheave 95 (also mounted on mast 23) and thence to the upper extremity 96 of a vertically movable piston 97 of a crowd cylinder 98 which is rigidly secured to the mast 231 as shown in FIG. 1. The portion 96 com-prises a link between the uphoist portion of the cable 92a and the piston 97. On the other hand, a downhoist portion 92b of the cable 92 passes over a fleeting sheave 99 which is rotatable upon a shaft 100 having a stationary axis.

From the fleeting sheave 99 the downhoist cable portion 92h passes over a crowd cable sheave 101 which is mounted for rotation upon the rear of the crown frame 67 of the auger drill and from thence the cable portion 9211 passes downwardly, as viewed in FIG. 5, and under a downhoist sheave 102 which is mounted for rotation upon the lower region of the mast 23 about a stationary axis. From such sheave 102 the downhoist cable portion 92h is secured, as by link 103, with the lowermost extremity of the piston 97 of the crowd cylinder 98.

The function of the crowd cylinder is to provide a line adjustment to the positioning of the auger with respect to its vertical movement or, if desired, it can provide additional up or down force by the application of fluid under pressure on the proper side of a piston 104 thereof. The crowd cylinder piston may have a travel, for example, of i4 feet from its central location or a total range of about 8 feet.

The hydraulic motor 413 turning the hoist drum 42 thus can lift the auger or it can exert a down force thereon.

In order to obtain an indication of the downhaul or downhoist pressure, there is connected to conduit 98a (FIG. a downhaul pressure gauge 105. Such gauge may be employed not only for measuring downhaul pressure but also uphoist pressure as exerted by the crowd cylinder 98.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown at 106 the pumping means for the cementitious mixture, such as grout, such pumping means comprising: a pump 107 which may be constructed in accordance with the apparatus shown in U.S. Patent No. 2,796,029, and a suitable pump drive 108. In this instance the pump drive comprises an internal com-bustion engine. The cementitious mixture is mixed in a hopper 109 and fed by means of the conduit 110 in the bottom thereof into the inlet of the pump 107.

To the outlet of the pump 107 there is secured by a suitable joint the lowermost extremity of the iiexible conduit 90 which is connected to the swivel 87 of FIG. 3.

The internal combustion engine or power drive for the pump 107 is provided with a suitable speed control schematic-ally indicated at 111 and a clutch as at 112. The speed control 111 embraces a hand lever or throttle 113 which is connected by suitable means to a carburetor 114 of the engine 108.

The clutch 112 in turn is controlled by a hand lever 115 which, via a clutch control means 116, governs the aforementioned clutch 112.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there will be described the manually controllable levers and handles `at the control station for the apparatus and also the instruments which are immediately visi-ble to the operator.

The internal combustion engine 55 has a starter and ignition control panel at 117 embracing a starter button 110 and an ignition switch 119.

On the lefthand portion of the control station there are provided four levers 120, 121, 122 and 123 which are respectively movable in the direction of the arrows shown and for the following purposes:

Lever 1Z0- For controlling the azimuth or angular adjustment of the deck 32 under the influence of the hydraulic power cylinders 35. An adjustment of i40 from the centerline of the truck can be made by lever 120.

Lever 121-For controlling the fore and aft sliding motion of the deck 32 under the influence of hydraulic cylinders 34 and whereby iine adjustments in the positioning of the auger drill can be made along such fore and aft line. By a joint control of the hydraulic cylinders 34 and 35 the auger drill can be accurately placed.

Lever 122-This lever controls the flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure to the hydraulic mast raising cylinder 38 thereby -to raise or lower same.

Lever 123-This lever controls thel hydraulic fluid under pressure to the crowd cylinder 93 (FIG. 5) to provide tine adjustments in positioning of the auger to aid in positioning its crown assembly, for example, for

joining sections of the auger together or alternatively it can be used to aid in downcrowding the auger during drilling or to hoist same when it is to be lifted out of the earth.

The internal combustion engine 55 is under the influence of throttle lever 124 and engine choke lever 125.

The internal combustion engine 108 for the cementitious mixture pump 107 is under the influence of the throttle lever 113, as described above, and also under the iniuence of the clutch control lever 115, both of these levers being preferably positioned within easy reach of the operator of the apparatus.

Main hydraulic levers 126 and 127 are employed which are respectively:

(a) for directing oil to the selector valve 65 from either the pump 44.1 (FIG. l) or a second pump 44a (not shrown), each of these pumps being capable -of delivering uid under 5000 p.s.i.; and

(b) for controlling the hoist under slow conditions.

A lever 128 is provided for directing the high pressure hydr-aulic uid from e.g., the pump i4 either to the hoist hydraulic motor L13 or to the drill drive or rotary hydraulic motor 63 in the crown assembly 22.

A lever 129 can be moved either to the reverse condition or the forward condition, as shown in FIG. 6, this lever controlling the direction of rotary motor 68 and thus governing the direction of angular motion of the auger 21. When the lever 129 is in the forward position, the hydraulic or rotary motor 68 causes the auger to drill into the earth in .a downscrewing direction and when the lever 129 is in the reverse positon, the reverse is true.

A lever 130 controls the direction of rotation of :the hoist motor 43.

A hoist brake (not shown) is under the control of a lever 131 which is movable either oy foot or by hand to the off or Lon positions.

There is positioned in a location convenient and easily visible to the operator a control panel 132 at which there is localized the several instruments which should be under examination by the operator and including the aforementioned auger downhaul pressure gauge 105 and also an auger torque pressure gauge 133, the latter reecting the torque exterted by the rotary auger turning motor 68 and connected as schematically shown in FIG. 2.

Also on the control panel are: A depth-volume integrator indicator 134, the operation of which will be explained hereinafter; also an auger depth indicator 135; and a grout or cementitious mixture desired or norm pressure indicator 136.

The operative interconnection of the several instruments on the control panel will be set forth more fully hereinafter in connection with the description of the system shown in FIG. 2.

As aforementioned, in the preferred form of the present invention, the `auger is of the hollow stem variety having therein two passages, one for the cementitious mixture or grout and another for the drilling medium, such as mud or water. Preferably the-drill steam is divided into two coaxial passages one of which embraces the other as has been described above in connection with FIG. 3. That is, the central conduit or tube 70 is for the passage of the grout or cementitious mixture and the second conduit 71 comprising a coaxial and embracing tubular member is for the water or other drill medium. It is possible for the functions of these passages to be reversed and for the center -one to conduct the drill medium and the outer one the cementitious mixture in which event valve means therefor are employed yat the lower drill end to accommodate such change.

The present invention employs a novel grout valve or cementitious mixture valve, it being understood that whenever the expression grout is employed herein there is embraced cementitious mixture. The grout valve is designed in such a Way that during the sinking of the auger drill into the earth such valve is closed and there is thus prevented the escape of any grout from the lower end of the auger. However, during the drilling the drilling fluid, such as water, is directed into the excavation as the drill is sunk into the earth, for example, by increasing the pressure therein to a point adequate to overcome one or a plurality of poppet valves which are arranged in the outer surface of the conduit 71 and as shown in FIG. 13.

In the present invention the grout valve is constructed so that when the drilling is underway the central grout conveying passage is sealed and thus prevented from being plugged by the earth as the drilling proceeds, but on the other hand is constructed i`n such a way that when the auger is hoisted out of the earth and withdrawn the grout valve is automatically opened to permit the escape of the grout or other cementitious mixture thereby to fill the cavity formed beneath the auger.

This is well illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 which show a preferred form of grout valve employed at the lower extremity of the drill in the present invention, such valve being in its closed condition as shown in FIG. 13 and in its open condition in FIG. 14.

Thus in FIG. 13 there is shown the lower extremity of the auger 21 employing a preferred form of grout valve designated in general by the numeral 137 and embracing the following construction: to the lowermost extremities of the coaxial tubes 70 and 71 there is secured as by welding a flanged tubular element 138 having an upper collar or flange 139 which performs the function of closing the bottom extremity of the drill medium passage namely the conduit existing between the inner tubular member 70 and the outer tubular member 71. Thus the flange 139 prevents the progress of the drilling fluid such as water past the upper surface of such ange 139 it being possible for the water or other drilling medium to escape from the lower region of the auger, e.g. via one or more poppet valves one of which is shown at 140. Such valve 140 includes a valve plate 141 having a valve stem 142 the latter being urged inwardly to force resiliently the plate 141 against the outer surface of the outer stern 71 with the aid of a poppet valve spring 143 which is interposed between the inner surface of the tube 71 and a poppet washer 144 secured to the stem 142. The poppet valve can be adjusted to open in response to any desired fluid pressure within the conduit 71. Alternatively any suitable form of valving arrangement can be employed for permitting the water or drill medium to escape from the lower end of the auger but yet prevent the entrance of soil to plug the drill medium conduit. For example,

a one way flap or check valve 140a (FIG. 7) can be employed which is hinged to tube 71 in such a location that when the auger is turned the hinge is in the leading position and when the auger has stopped rotation the drilling medium can escape by pressing against the hinged flap.

Reverting to the flanged tubular member 138, in FIG. 13 it is shown that this member comprises an extension of the grout or cementitious mixture conduit 70, such tubular member 138 having an outwardly belled or outwardly flaring cross-sectional area to inhibit the formation of grout or cementitious plugs at the lower extremity of the drill. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the grout passage gradually is increased starting from the upper extremity of the tubular member 138 and ending at the lower extremity which coacts with a grout valve plate 145. The upper face of the grout valve plate 145 is shown at 145a and coacts with the lowermost annular edges 138a of the tubular member 138 thereby to close the valve and prevent the escape of the grout during drilling in the manner shown in FIG. 13.

The grout valve plate 145 is axially movable with respect to the tubular member 138 by viltue of a plurality of vertical cylindrical posts 146 of suitable metal, there being four employed in the embodiment shown separated by intervals, such posts being rigidly secured about the margin of the grout valve plate as by welding. Such posts pass through aligned passages, as at 147, formed in thehelix of the auger 21.

A further function of the vertical posts 146 is to communicate torque to a cutter head 148 which is secured to the grout valve plate 145. This is accomplished by means of a pair of perforated collars 149 and 150 which are horizontal in attitude as shown in FIG. 13 and which have aligned passages through which pass the four vertical posts 146, there being suitable clearance to permit free axial movement of such posts, thereby to permit relative axial movement of the cutter head 148 -when the drill is hoisted as will be described hereinafter.

The cutter head 148, in the form shown, is of the shtail variety although any suitable type of cutter head may be employed.

The cutter head 148 is secured to the grout valve plate 145 as follows: such valve plate 145 has passing centrally therethrough a cylindrical collar 151 which is rigidly secured to such plate as by welding and `which is also provided with a passage 152 therethrough of square cross section which is well shown in FIG. 15. The hollow collar 151 thus is adapted to receive a square stud or post 153 which is secured rigidly to the cuter head 148, the square post 153 being secured within the collar 151 as by a bolt 154 which passes dametrically through both. The cutter head 148 thus is removable for substitution of varying types of cutting heads as desired.

Thus torque communicated to the auger 21 is communicated to the cutter head 148 via the tubular element 138, the perforated collars 149, and the four vertical posts 146 which in turn cause the grout valve plate 145 to rotate and thence to communicate the turning force to the cutting head via the interfitting parts 151 and 153 above described.

The length of the posts 146 and the disposition of the perforations through which they pass and also the shape of the tubular member 138 are such that the grout valve plate 145 can fit closely against the lowermost surface 13811 of the element 138 to assume the positions shown in FIG. 13 during the sinking of the auger.

It `will be noted in FIG. 13 that the helical surfaces of the auger 21 proceed down to the cutting edge 155 which is the lowermost edge of the helix and which is immediately above the axially shiftable grout valve plate 145. The outermost diameter of the fishtail cutter head 148 is substantially equal to the outermost diameter of the collar 150. Such diameter of the fishtail cutter head is somewhat greater than or at least equal to the outer diameter of the grout valve plate 145.

Referring to FIG. 14, the auger 21 instead of being urged downwardly as at FIG. 13 is undergoing a hoisting or uplifting motion and this has caused an opening of the grout valve 137 by virtue of grout pressure within tube 70 and the weight of the cutter head 148 and the parts there-of lwhich may shift axially therewith including the grout valve plate 145, and the several posts 146. The relative axial movement of the grout valve plate 145 is limited by means of limit-stop pins 156, there being one each in the upper extremities of each of the vertical metal posts 146 and each of which coacts with the upper surface of the perforated collar 149 to prevent the detachment lof the cutter head 148 and its valve plate 145 attached thereto. The degree of opening of the grout valve 137 is selected to be adequate for the desired maximum flow rate of the grout, bearing in mind the constituents thereof, the outermost margin of the plate 145 preferably being tapered upwardly as viewed in FIG. 14 to facilitate the exit of the grout or other cementitious mixture in the manner shown in such FIG. 14.

The auger construction of FIGS. 19421, inclusive, will now be described, it being similar to that of FIGS. 13-15, inclusive, with the exceptions set forth. This construction is vfor the purpose of installing concurrently with 13 the injection -of the cementitious material a reinforcingr bar centrally of the pile and, if desired, one or more bars radially spaced from and preferably symmetrically situated about such center. This is accomplished by employing an expendable cutter head 148:1 having, for example, two radially extending cutter fins 148]), such expendable cutting head being separable from the valve plate 145 and having secured centrally thereto a `stud 153' which is of square cross-section and analogous to the stud 153 of FIG. 13, such stud 153 having integrally secured thereto and extendingA coaxially thereabove a reinforcing rod or bar 153:1 which extends to any desired height up into the tube 70, for example, high enough to be above ground level when the drill is fully withdrawn from the earth. The reinforcing bar 153:1 may be of square cross-section, the same as the stud 153', or, as shown, it may be of circular cross-section. In any event, the cross-sectional shape and size of the bar 153:1 is selected t-o be easily slidable through the central passage formed in the collar 151.

The aforementioned cutting head or drill bit 148:1 being expendable, may be of an inexpensive variety.

The pile is drilled in the manner set forth above using the bit 148:1 and the do-wncrowd force during augering holds it firmly as shown against the bottom face of the valve plate 145, the bit tending to keep the stem on center. i

Thus Awhen the hole has been drilled toits final depth, as above described, and the grout pump started, the grout valve 137 will be opened by the combined action of gravity and grout pressure acting on the plate 145. This will move the expendable drill bit 148:1 and its reinforcing bar 153:1 downwards with respect to the stem of the drill. The central portion of the stem during injection of the grout will cause the bit 148:1 to remain in place at the bottom or point of the pile, such bit 148:1 firmly anchoring the reinforcing bar 153:1 at the point of the pile. The movement of the grout through the tube 70 during withdrawal of the drill tends to hold the reinforcing rod 153:1 positioned in the desired centered location. The injection of the grout lor other cementitious -material continues while the drill is Withdrawn until the drill stem is clear of the ground level at which time the lower extremity of the `stem is lifted off of any remaining portion of the reinforcing rod 153:1 Iwhich protrudes above ground level.

Also, if desired, in addition to or in lieu of installing the central bar 153:1 as above, one or more additional reinforcing bars can be analogously installed concurrently with the injection of the grout, which additional bars are radially spaced from the center of the pile and close to the pile outer surface. Often pile reinforcing specifications require the use of such multiple reinforcing bars in such radially spaced positions so as appreciably to increase the bending strength of the pile.

Such reinforcing bars radially spaced from the center of the pile are placed Iasy follows: along the outer surface of the drill stem 69 (which, for example, may be of S-inch outer diameter) there is located one or more hollow guide tubes 153k, each of which extends from near the lower end of the helix along the sides of such stem 69, one such guide tube being provided for each reinforcing bar which is to be placed. In the form shown in FIGS. 19-21 there are four such guide tubes 15317 for receiving four reinforcing bars 153C which are spaced about the longitudinal axis of the auger separated by 90 intervals. Each such guide tube 153]) is terminated at the end region of the auger helix, the mouth of each such tube opening upon the lower face of the last turn of the helix. For example, a lowermost mouth of a guide tube is preferably located at or near the lowermost portion of the helix and the next lowermost mouth of a guide tube is located on the underside of the helix but spaced upwardly therefrom to the extent of 90 of the helix, and so on.

spaced insuring their accurate location in the pile.

The lengths of the guide tubes 153b correspond substantially to the lengths of the reinforcing bars 153C therein. For example, in the case of a pile requiring reinforcing in its upper 20 feet, the pile being, for example, 30 feet in depth, such guide tubes 153b will be approximately 2O feet long. The bars 153C are inserted into the aforementioned lowermost mouths of the tubes 15311. Each such bar is provided at its lower extremity with a at Washer or disc 153:1 which functions t0 prevent it from being pus-hed up inside the tube 153b during drilling. At the upper extremity of each bar 153e there is provided a sufficient protrusion above the top of its respective tube in order that a pin, such as 153e, can be inserted in a passage through the bar in order to rest on the top lip of the tube 153b to prevent the dropping out of the bar until the desired time. The pile, which may be of any lengt-h, then is drilled employing the apparatus of FIGS. 19-21, and while the auger is being withdrawn, in order to release the reinforcing bars 153C, it is necessary to wait until the top portions of such bars are exposedl above ground level in order that the pins 153e may be removed. Thereafter, if desired, in order to start the dropping out of the bars, each may be struck a blow upon the top thereof, as by a hammer, to laid its slipping out of its respective tube as the auger is further withdrawn from the hole. The start of such drop-out of bars 153C can be concurrent with or later than that of bar 153:1 The guiding action on the tubes 15311 keeps such bars equally Substantially semicircular portions of the valve plate are cut away (FIGS. 19 and 20) respectively as at 145:1 to permit the dropping out of the reinforcing bars 153e.

Referring now to FIGS. 22, 23 and 24, there is there shown a modification of FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 which is identical thereto except that reinforcing bars 153C (FIG. 22) instead of terminating just beneath the helix 21, in the manner of bars 153: (FIG. 19), extend therebelow through perforations in the valve plate 145 and down to a bottom plate 148C of an expendable drill bit 148:1', to which they are secured as by welding. Reinforcing bar guide tubes 15311 (FIG. 22) therefor are also downwardly continued whereby they extend down and loosely through such perforations in Valve plate 145 and terminate preferably just beneath the lower surface thereof (FIG. 22) when the val-ve is closed. In contrast to FIGS. 19-21, in the modification of FIGS. 22-24, the release or drop-out of all the reinforcing bars 153:1 and 153e commences concurrently because all ofsuch bars- 'are secured to the same bottom plate, namely, 148C.

An alternative form of valve structure is shown in FIG. 16 which is referred :to as a grout-water valve in view of the following construction: during t-he downscrewing or sinking of the auger into the earth a grout valve is closed and a water or drill medium valve is open, but when the auger has been sunk to depth it is reversed two revolutions which causes the grout valve to open and the theretofore open water valve to close.

Such alternative form of construction of FIG. 16 is broadly designated by the numeral 157 and consists of an outer stern tube 158 and an inner stem tube 159. The latter is for conducting the grout to the tip of the drill and the space between the latter and the inside surface of the stem tube 158 is for conducting the drilling medium such as Water. These two tubes are relatively fixed and do not shift axially relative to one another.

The lower outer surfaces of the inr hollow stem 159 is provided with a plurality of threads as at 160 which engage wit-h threads 160:1 upon the inner surface of a valve sleeve 161 which can undergo relative angular movement thereby to shift axially relative to the tubes 15S and 159.

The valve sleeve 161 is provided with drilling medium valve surfaces 162 coaxial with its lower region the latter having orifices 163 for moving into register with orifices 164 in the lowermost portion of the outer tube 158 as shown in FIG. 16. Thus during the downscrewing of the auger 21 t-he drilling medium can escape from the lower portion of the drill Ivia the registered orifices 163 and 164, this by virtueof the relative axial position of the parts as shown in this figure.

However, during such downdrilling the grout valve is closed this valve comprising a skirt portion 158a along the lowermost periphery -of the tube 158 such skirt closing grout orifices 165 during this condition. Such grout orifices are formed in a grout valve plate 166 to which is secured a pilot bit (not shown) having a shaft 167 of square cross section which is fitted into a central passage in such plate 166.

After the auger has been sunk to depth by turning same in a downscrewing direction, thereafter, it is turned, for example, two revolutions in an upscrewing direction thereby causing the following operation: the pilot bit being embedded in the earth will cause the valve sleeve 161 to be angularly relatively stationary to the angularly shifting portions 158 and 159 which are turned backward in an upscrewing direction through the aforementioned two revolutions. This will cause the threads 160, 160a to coact thereby in effect to unscrew a portion of the auger and to shift the valve sleeve 161 in such a way that the drill medium orifices 163 and 164 are no longer in register but rather are out of register, the orifices 164 being closed by the cylindrical portion 162. On the other hand, the grout valve orifices 165 are opened by virtue of the raising of the skirt portion 158a relative to plate 166 in response to the unscrewing motion of the auger drill.

Referring now to FIGURES 17 and 18, there are shown in somewhat greater detail certain portions of t-he apparatus as shown schematically and described in connection with FIGURE 3. Thus the water swivel 81 of FIG- URE `3 is shown in greater detail in FIGUR'E 17 and comprises the above described relatively stationary collar y82 having an annular passage or groove formed internally the-reof at 82a to which is directed the drilling medium which finds its way into the drilling medium conduit 70 via the passage 83 as shown. The details of the gland or packing 85 are also shown in this FIG. 17.

In the region designated l168 y(FIG. 17) is located the so-called rotary table by which torque is communicated to the auger stem via the bevel gear arrangement 7f3, 73a described above in connection with FIGURE 3.

Grout Pressure Control Method and Means Referring now to FIGURES 2 4, inclusive, and 7-12, inclusive, there will now be described certain of the novel control methods and means embodying the present invention.

In the placing of grout piles by means of an earth drilling auger with the use of prior methods and apparatus there has been no adequate means or methods provided for correlating the rate of withdrawal of the drill or auge-r with the volumetric infiow rate of the cementitious mixture, and also to control adequately the pressure of the cementitious mixture in the cavity which is vacated by the drill. Prior apparatus and methods of this type have failed to provide any adequate information as to the conditions regarding these factors occurring during the forming of the pile.

One of the principal objectives of the present invention is to provide novel methods and apparatus for maintaining preselected pressures of the grout or cementitious mixture column, as measured near the auger and during withdrawal, at least great enough to prevent the drilled hole from closing in or caving in. Successful installatiou of piles of this type, which are formed by filling with grout the cavity vacated by the auger as it is extracted f-rom the earth, .requires'a knowledge of pressure conditions of the grout in the cavity, preferably grout pressure conditions in the region of the lower extremity of the drill.

Accordingly, 'in the present invention there is provided a pressure sensing system broadly designated 169 (FIGS. 2, 4 and 7) having a pressure sensing element 170 for sensing the pressure'of the grout in the lower region of the auger drill. The position of the sensing element 170 is well shown in FIGS. 7 and 13. It is operatively associ-ated with means at the operators station (FIG. 6) for indicating when the groutpressure in the neighborhood `of the lower kend of the drill, falls Ibelow a selected value which value is different for each level of such drill end.

We have found it desirable in one form `to employ a substantially constant volumetric inow rate of the grout or cementitious mixture onto the cavity via the stem, and while withdrawing the auger to control and adjust the rate yof withdrawal so that the pressure of the grout in the region of the lower end of the drill will not fall -below or appreciably below the selected norm for each level of withdrawal of the drill tip as per FIG. 7a. -For example, at a depth of 40 feet of the drill tip it is desirable for the grout pressure to be 40 p.s.i., and at a drill tip depth of 2O feet `for the grout pressure to be say 20 p.s.i.

The grout pressure indicating means, in one form of the present invention, which signals to the operator of the apparatus the departure of the grout pressure below a selected norm at each level of withdrawal, is of the pneumatic variety and is illustrated in connection with FIGS. 4 and 7. In effect the'means of FIG. 4 comprises a pressure comparator device with a signal means, and is of the following construction and operation: the pressure comparator device is indicated by the numeral 171 (FIG. 4) and comprises an element 172 into which is directed, via a pneumatic infeed line 173, air at a selected constant feed pressure of say p.s.i. The element 172 causes small charges of this high pressure (Pf) of air to be directed Ithrough an exit port 174 to a conduit 175 which is in communication with the aforementioned pressure sensing element 170, the conduit 75 and the element comprising the system connected to such exit port. Operatively connected to the element 172 is a signal device 176 which, for example, can emit an audible signal, although the invention is not limited to any particular type of signal. However, in this instance the signalling device is of the audi-ble variety and each time the element 172 emits a charge ora pulse of the high pressure input air the signal means 176 is actuated to make one signal, e.g. to ring a bell once.

In between these pulses of such high pressure air (Pf) there is made a comparison between: (a) a desired pressure norm (Pn) as shown on an indicator 177, and (b) the ygrout pressure (Pg) as measured by element 170, the. comparison Ibeing made pneumatically via an element 178. The indicator 1717, as shown `in FIG. 4 shows a norm pressure of 45 p.s.i. This indicates the norm pressure (Pn) against which a comparison is made with the pressure (Pg) in the system 175, this comparison being made by the coaction of the elements 172 and 178.

The element 172 continues to discharge the pulses of high pressure air (eg. at 150 p.s.i.) at intervals until the pressure lin the system 170, 175 reaches the preselected norm pressure which is set -or adjusted, as by a wheel y179 which is operatively connected to the indicator 177 for changing the setting thereof to accord with the desired norm, and also is opera-tively connected to the comparator element 178. When the pressure in the system 170, 175 reaches the desired norm the signal means 176 ceases to oper-ate.

The frequency of the audible signals from 176 is a function of the degree of departure of the pressure (Pg) in the system 170, 175 from the desired norm (ln) and as the desired norm is approached the frequency becomes lower and lower yuntileventually it `becomes zero indicating that the pressure in the system 170, 175 is not below the norm,

-Theconduit 175, which places in communication the pressure sensing `elemen-t 170 with the pressure comparator 171, is of a flexible nature, as indicated in FIG. 7, between the exit port 174 and the top of the auger, there being a suitable swivel joint communicating the pressure medium to a portion 17511 of the conduit which is loca-ted within the water passage `f the stem 69 of the auger 21.

`The pressure sensing element 170 in effect is a differential pressure diaphragm device the details of which are shown in FIGS. 8-11 with particular reference to FIG. 10. In the latter ligure the pressure differential diaphragm device embraces a diaphragm proper 188 the periphery of which is se-cured tightly' to a diaphragm cup 180er having a primary chamber 188i) therein which is in communication with the lower extremity of the conduit 175 via a port 188C 4and a passage 180m'. The primary chamber 188]; of the pressure differential diaphragm device 178 is separated from a secondary chamber 181 which is coaxial therewith and positioned interiorly of the chamber 180b as is shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and l0. Such primary .and secondary chambers are normally separated from one another by means of a valve plate 182 which coacts with a valve seat 183 of ring-like or annular shape comprising the line of demarcation :between the primary and secondary chambers 188k and 181. The valve plate 182 is secured to the diaphragm 180 and can shift into and out of engagement with the valve seat 183 in response to certain pressure differentials existing between the primary chamber 18011 and the pressure -acting upon the righthand face of the diaphragm 180 as viewed in FIG. 10.

The primary chamber 180b embraces not only a relatively deep portion 180b, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, but also concentric and relatively more shallow portions 180e and 180i which comprise annular grooves formed concentric with the two coaxial and `concentric primary and secondary chambers 18011 and 181. The concentric grooved portions 180e and'188f are in communication with one vanother via radially extending passages 180g and 180k (FIG. 9).

Thus the air pressure in the element 172 (Pg) is symbolic of or representative of the pressure in the primary chamber 180b.

Since the exterior face of the diaphragm 188 is exposed to the cementitious mixture or grout at the upper region of the cavity, :by virtue of its location near the lower end of the drill, such cementitious mixture exerts pressure against t-he righthand face of the diaphragm 180, as mentioned above, and if such grout pressure exceeds that of the air pressure within the primary chamber 186)!) the valve plate 182 will be pressed against the valve seat 183. Thus ifa desired `grout pressure at the particular level of the pressure sensing element 170 should be 45 psi., for example, by virtue of a 45 foot penetration of the drill and such grout pressure is in fact 45 p.s.i. or greater, then the valve 182, 183 will be closed. Assuming that it has been closed for an adequate period and also that 45 p.s.i. has been set as the norm upon the pressure comparator 171 (FIG. 4) via the wheel 179, then the audible signaling device 176 will be inoperative because the pressure in the system 170, 175 is not less than the norm.

However, if during withdrawal of the stem, and during the injection of the grout into the cavity beneath the auger, the latter is withdrawn at too fast a rate (the grout then being fed at a substantially constant volumetric inflow rate) then the grout pressure will drop and if it falls below the preselected minimum value `for the given depth of the auger, .as adjusted :by the wheel 179 upon the pressure comparator, the air pressure within the primary chamber 18011 will exceed that on the righthand face of the diaphragm 180 and the valve 182, 183 will open thereby permitting the theretofore trapped air in chamber 180i; to exhaust into the secondary chamber 181,

and thence via an escape port 184 and a passage 185 (FIG. 9) to a check valve 186 thereby permitting the pressure within the chamber 18917 to drop to a value approaching atmospheric pressure. At this point the pressure comparator device 171 will immediately start functioning and the signal device 176 will be activated to emit audible signals at a substantial frequency dependent upon the degree of drop of the pressure below the norm and immediately the operator of the device, by controlling the hoist motor lever 138, or a Vernier control therefor 130g (FIG. 6) will slow downthe rate of withdrawal of the auger. In the meantime the pressure comparator device 171 will attempt to rebuild the pressure in the system 170, 175 thereby causing the aforementioned audible signals to continue, The pulses of the infeed air (Pf) will continue intermittently into the system 178, 175 until the external grout pressure, that is the pressure sensed by the righthand face of the diaphragm 180, is restored to the selected norm (resulting from the slow ing down of the drill lwithdrawal rate) at which time the audible signal means 1'76 will become inactive.

We have found it advantageous to employ in. connection with an auger of for example, 16 outer diameter, 1 p.s.i. of air pressure for every foot of depth of penetration of the drill. That is the grout or cementitious mixture is injected into the cavity at the -foot level under a pressure equal to or greater than 40 .p.s.i. Thereafter it is possible manually to reduce the setting of the indicator 177 via the adjusting wheel 179, for example, 5 p.s.i. for each 5foot increment of withdrawal. Alternatively 'as shown in FIGURE 2, the adjusting wheel 179 is operatively associated with means for changing same exactly to accord with the level of withdrawal of the lower end of the drill. For example, the adjusting wheel 179 is operatively connected to the jack shaft 49 by an operative interconnection schematically indicated at 187 in which there is interposed a reducing gear 188 to correlate the revolutions of the jack shaft 49 with the upward movement of the auger 21.

Thus the pressure comparator device 4171 is automatically adjusted to accord with the level of withdrawal of the 4auger 21.

As shown in FIG. 2, there is provided in one form of the invention a servo mechanism 189 which is operatively connected to the engine throttle lever 113 for the grout pump engine, and also to the hoist motor lever 130, which controls the hydraulic valve 64 of the hydraulic motor 43, to accomplish the following: assuming that it is desired to feed into the cavity grout at a constant volumetric inow rate, the servo mechanism 189 is operativelyconnectedto the pressure comparator and signaling device 171, by means of an operative interconnection schematically shown in 198, in such a way that when the signaling device 176 is activated the servo mechanism will alter the setting of the lever thereby to slow down the auger as a function of the frequency of the signals, That is, the hoist motor control lever 130 will be adjusted to provide a norm rate of withdrawal which can be adjusted in a negative direction to slow down the drill withdrawal rate within a selected small range for example, 1 foot per minute which may constitute 10% of thetotal rate of withdrawal of the drill and by such slowing down will automatically reinstate the desired grout pressure at the region of the lower end of the drill. j

Alternatively, the volumetric inflow rate of the grout can be increased via the servo mechanism 189, or either one or both of these factors, namely, the rate of wit-hdrawal of the drill or the volumetric inflow rate of the grout can be adjusted to reinstate the desired pressure at the lower end of the drill. v Y

Thus, the novel method carried out by the above described apparatus with particular reference to the pressure comparator device 171 is as follows: (1) drilling a hole in the earth by sinking to a desired depth an auger 

1. APPARATUS FOR FORMING PILES IN THE EARTH INCLUDING: AN AUGER TYPE DRILL ADAPTED TO DRILL A HOLE IN THE EARTH BY SINKING SAME TO A DESIRED DEPTH BY TURNING, SAID DRILL HAVING A HOLLOW TUBULAR STEM AND SPIRAL FLIGHTS; DRILL HOIST MEANS FOR WITHDRAWING THE DRILL FROM SUCH A HOLE IN THE EARTH THEREBY FORMING BENEATH THE DRILL A CAVITY ADAPTED TO RECEIVE A PILE-FORMING SUBSTANCE, THE CAVITY BEING OF A VOLUME WHICH PROGRESSIVELY INCREASES AS THE DRILL IS WITHDRAWN; MEANS FOR FILLING THE CAVITY COMPLETELY DURING SUCH DRILL WITHDRAWAL INCLUDING A PUMP FOR FORCING THEREIN VIA THE HOLLOW STEM OF THE DRILL SUCH PILE-FORMING SUBSTANCE; PRESSURE SENSING MEANS BEING DISPOSED ADJACENT THE LOWER END OF THE DRILL; MEANS FOR CONTROLLING SAID HOIST 